Shout Out to My Ex

Ever After Agency #2

by Sandy Barker

Fashion designer, Elle Bliss, is unlucky in love.She's still hung up on her first love, Leo, who ended things abruptly, then mysteriously disappeared – and a decade on, no one else can measure up.But Elle's all-time dream of showing in Paris Fashion Week is about to become a reality, and she has no time to dwell on her dismal love life. That is until Leo – now going by Lorenzo – comes back into her life.A celebrated up-and-coming shoe designer, ‘Lorenzo’ is nothing like the man she fell in love with. Rude, brash and with an ego the size of Paris, he’s too caught up in his own celebrity.But as they constantly cross paths in the city of love, Elle begins to question how much of 'Lorenzo' is an act – a persona for the cameras. Because deep down, she can see glimpses of the man he was, and feelings from all those years ago become impossible to ignore…Join Elle in the most romantic city in the world in this laugh out loud enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Emily Henry.

Genres: Romance, Rom Com, Enemies To Lovers, Fiction, Audiobook

306 pages, Hardcover

First published February 14, 2024

About the author

I’m a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of my travel adventures have found homes in my novels. I’m also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob.

I am currently on a one-year sabbatical, living and writing across the world, with my partner, Ben, who I met while travelling in Greece. Our real-life love story inspired my debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the five-book Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.

Also with One More Chapter, is the Christmas Romance series, celebrating my favourite time of the year, and a stand-alone romcom, The Dating Game, set in the world of reality TV.

I am now writing for Boldwood Books, including the 5-book Ever After Agency romcom series. Next up are 5 more standalone romcoms for Boldwood.

I am represented by Lina Langlee of The North Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Sandy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, and I had not read the first, so for me, it was a fine stand-alone book, not that I know any different. It's a second chance rom com with enemies to lovers troupe thrown in for good measure. I liked the dual setting of London and Paris and the fashion designer background. I also enjoyed the main characters, Elle and her sister Cassie, who employs the happy ever after agency for her sister and Leo (Leorenzo), fake relationships thrown in makes for a likeable if a little predictable, overly sweet rom com. Just what I needed after a particularly gruesome book about serial killers.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shout Out To My Ex is the second book in the Ever After Agency series and is another fun, feel good read from Sandy Barker.
Elle and Leo were destined to be together but what happened 10 years ago to send their lives in different directions- this is certainly an interesting challenge for the skills of the match making agency.
I’ve really enjoyed reconnecting with the team at the agency, and adding the close partnership of sisters Elle and Cassie has been great. Covering London and Paris, we’re treated to front row seats at the best show in town, so grab your best hat and sit down to enjoy the story of Leo and Elle, with a few bumps along the journey.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandy Barker is another of my 'Must Read' authors. Having read the first in the Ever After Agency series with much joy, it was a no-brainer to read the second, Shout Out To M Ex.
Cassie loves her fashion designer sister, Elle, very much and hates seeing her failing in her relationship goals, even though her professional star is rising. She contacts the agency to see if they can help her locate and possibly reignite a flame that burned bright and then extinguished ten years ago, suddenly.
To put it plainly, she wants them to find Elle's first love, Leo, who, despite them being love's dream for four years, suddenly upped and left, with no contact. It seems Elle cannot move forward in love unless she gets closure or finds the one who got away.
But this all needs to be done secretively.
Engineering a meeting between Elle and Lorenzo (Leo) is the first step once he has been located. The rest just gets better and better as we learn more about Leo, his reasons for disappearing for such a long time, and the wily ways of PR managers as they twist the truth to benefit their clients.
Set in the dramatic, colourful world of fashion, we see so much uncovered as Poppy, Nasrin, and the gang at the agency come up with ideas to overcome the endless blocks that keep being thrown at them, including a fake engagement.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Elle and Leo's story and felt all the butterflies with Elle as she navigated her feelings towards the one who got away.
Though it can be read easily as a standalone, I loved that we were revisiting the story of Poppy, who works at the elite matchmaking agency, as well as coming on board for another matchmaking journey that she has been tasked with piloting, and Tristan, her husband, who, she meets and marries in the first book.
And it; is always great to read about other key characters who were in past books.
Roll on book 3!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!
So much going on within this story!
Family issues
Second chance love
Fake relationship
All in al, a cute story that took me awhile to get into.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme

[Aline · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

As a bookworm who adores tales of love and adventure, I couldn't resist diving into this charming enemies-to-lovers romcom that whisks readers away to the magical world of fashion and romance.

A Dreamy Parisian Setting:
From the bustling fashion scene to the quaint cobblestone streets, Barker's vivid descriptions of Paris make the city come alive on the pages. As I followed Elle Bliss, a talented fashion designer, on her quest to conquer Paris Fashion Week, I couldn't help but feel like I was strolling alongside her, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

A Delightful Love Story:
Elle's journey takes an unexpected turn when her first love, Leo (now known as Lorenzo), reenters her life. Their reunion sparks a whirlwind of emotions, from passion and longing to frustration and humor. Despite their differences, Elle and Lorenzo share a palpable chemistry that kept me eagerly turning the pages, rooting for them to find their happily ever after.

Embracing Life's Imperfections:
What I loved most about "Shout Out To My Ex" is its celebration of imperfection and growth. Elle and Lorenzo are flawed, complex characters who grapple with past mistakes and uncertainties about the future. Yet, through their journey of self-discovery and forgiveness, they learn to embrace their imperfections and take risks in the name of love.

While the storyline may follow a familiar enemies-to-lovers trope, Barker infuses it with humor, heart, and genuine emotion, making it a delightful read from start to finish. Whether you're a hopeless romantic like me or simply craving a feel-good escape to the City of Love, "Shout Out To My Ex" is sure to sweep you off your feet and leave you smiling.

[Nicole Ginn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandy Barker has been one of my favourite authors, since I first read One Summer In Santorini (and the rest of the Holiday Romance Series), during lockdown. I love the way how she can really make the characters come alive and sets the scene so well, that you can imagine being there. I always pre-order her next book and wait in anticipation for it's release date to arrive. Shout out to my Ex (Book 2 In the Ever After Agency Series) was no exception.

Shout out to my Ex is written in different POVs, once again featuring professional matchmaker, Poppy (from the Match Me If You Can- the first book in this series) as a main character, alongside Elle- a woman still pining after her first love from a decade before. There are some other returning characters and some new ones too.

I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I can confirm that it is yet another great read from Sandy Barker! Full of love, hope, twists, turns, 'will-they-won't-they's?', laugh-out-loud moments, and so genuinely heart-warming that my face ached from smiling and I didn't want to put it down! I'm now counting down the months and days until The One that I Want- (Book 3 in the Ever After Agency series) is released. Highly recommended!

[Margo · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is so much wrong with this book as a romance that I’m not going to bother to address the way the involvement of intermediary characters destroys the plot momentum.

-10 year separation
-No conversation of celibacy or what happened during separation
-Doormat heroine
-Weak, weak, weak hero
-No true comeuppance for OW
-No real reason for separation
-No sign H would have ever gone after her if it hadn’t been engineered

[Payal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super cute read that takes the idea of a happily ever after and actually monitizes it. I have to admit I was ready to not finish this when we first met Leo ahem Lorenzo but I’m so glad I stuck it out. Elle and Leo are a really cute couple and this second chance romance had me on the edge of my seat. I quite enjoyed this read!

I received this advanced reader copy from NetGalley and the opinions in this review are not impacted by that.

[Janae McGinnis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall the story is cute and definitely a different take on a second chance romance. I really enjoyed the Poppy as a character and really loved reading about her helping Elle get her HEA. This story did take me awhile to get into. It wasn’t as gripping and attention grabbing as I thought it was going to be but about half way through I did start to enjoy it a lot more.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Firstly let me start by saying I have read a couple books by Sandy Barker before and really enjoyed her writing style and humour. This next book was no exception. However on downloading the book, I noticed when I started reading that is in fact book 2, in the Ever After Agency, which I didn't know. I haven't read the previous book, so not sure if it has spoilt my enjoyment of this book or not. Of if I have missed background information what would have been helpful.

In the book we meet sisters Cassie and Ellie. Just back from another horrendous date Ellie is tired of dating, and wishing things had worked out with her ex boyfriend Leo, who disappeared over 10 years ago. Wanting to help her sister out Cass contacts the Ever After Agency to see if she can track him down. We are whisked off to the glamorous world of Paris fashion week. Where fashion designer Ellie comes face to face with the one that got away. Leo now going by Lorenzo is nothing like Ellie remembers but sparks still start to fly.

I really like a second chance romance and I did enjoy this book and the characters. But I think but not reading the previous book I have missed out on the background which would have made the book more enjoyable.

[Linda (Lily) Raiti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful warm hug of a book!

Shout Out To My Ex is the second instalment in the Ever After Agency series. It can definitely be read as a stand alone - I haven’t read the first one, but will be going back now.

It’s a wonderful tale of second chance love. Filled full of descriptive and atmospheric settings - I honestly felt like I was in Paris with Elle (MC). Colourful, relatable characters that made me laugh out loud and feel empathy for - some not so nice characters too! The friendships, family bonds and romance were beautifully written and had me invested from the first page.

A genuine, heartfelt romance peppered with hilarious banter that will leave a big ol’ smile on your face.

Many thanks to @netgalley @boldwood and @sandybar for an advanced e-arc 😍 Out now.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should this be your first visit, you’ll soon discover that the Ever After Agency is something a little different – a dating agency catering only to the very top end of the market, with the necessary levels of secrecy and professionalism demanded by its clients, who only arrive at their door by personal referral. I don’t really need to set the scene though – the author does that so very well herself, including introducing the really well-drawn characters who provide the service. And, if you read the first book, you’ll already know Poppy – a former psychologist, an Australian living in London, who found her own path to happiness – although I would stress that you’d have no issues at all if you chose to read this book as a standalone.

The client this time is Cassie, but not approaching the agency on her own behalf. Her sister Elle might be finding real success as a fashion designer, but she’s never been able to find happiness in her personal life, with no-one matching up to first love Leo, who inexplicably walked out of her life after their time at college together. Cassie, while harbouring the hope that bringing them together might just rekindle what they had, feels it’s important for her sister to get some proper closure, tasking the agency with finding Leo (without Elle’s knowledge) and bringing them together again, just to see if the spark is still there and whether there’s any chance of his abrupt departure being forgiven. And it turns out he might just have been hiding in plain sight – but some time at Paris Fashion Week, where they’re unable to avoid each other but also have to steer around the gaze of the paparazzi and the machinations of others trying to further their own careers, provides that opportunity to take those first few steps.

The behind the scenes view of Paris Fashion Week is quite wonderfully done – all the glitz and glamour you’d expect, but the backbiting and chaos you’d probably be anticipating too. And poor Poppy – undercover, so she can help things along, posing as a rather less than confident journalist so that she’s able to access all areas. The author’s knack for making you present in the moment is just perfect – armchair travel at its very best, and an opportunity to fully experience the kind of glittering occasions none of us would ever be privileged enough to attend.

But I also thoroughly enjoyed the developing relationship between Elle and Leo – their bringing together might have been engineered, but coming to terms with past betrayal is something they both have to work hard for. And that’s not the only relationship I loved – there’s the rather special one between the two sisters too, and how Elle might react when she discovers that refinding the love of her life was something other than a happy accident. And any book from the author wouldn’t be complete without those wonderful friendships she always includes – particularly, in this case, through a thread unfolding in parallel where Poppy is attempting, with even more subterfuge, to make sure her very best friend Shaz doesn’t throw away her own chance for future happiness.

The characterisation is so excellent, both the main characters whose happiness I felt fully invested in (the story’s told from the viewpoints of Elle and Poppy, which works really well) and the smaller cameos (investigator Marie and the magnificent Paloma were real personal favourites). There are plenty of dramatic moments, and the romance and friendship (and the working relationships) are beautifully done – combined with the fascinating setting, this was a story I thoroughly enjoyed from the very beginning to its absolutely perfect end. With an enticing short taster of the next instalment at the book’s end, I’m very much looking forward to my next visit to the Ever After Agency and spending time with Poppy once more. This is a book I’d very much recommend you add to your reading list – I really loved it.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ell Bliss cannot have a proper relationship because she is still mourning the loss of her boyfriend who ghosted her after college Leo. She has searched for him but comes up with nothing this is why her sister KS hires the ever after agency and is assigned Nazarene who gets poppy to head the case Poppy also headed the case and book one in the end it was Poppy who the groom to be Tristan fell for. And this one else says unless he was saving children from a burning building in addition to solving the environment issues she’s not interested in where he’s been. When Poppie’s investigator Maria finds him he’s not doing exactly that but something very close. If only when they see each other again for the first time he didn’t act like a pompous ass maybe more time wouldn’t of been waisted but she has no time for him she has a show in Paris for fashion week as does he with his Lorenzo shoe line and so it’s inevitable they run into each other again but well they fall in love or will Elle get the closure she so desperately needs? I am a big fan of Sandy barkers romance series and I have loved 99% of the books I’ve read from her this one being my least favorite and I didn’t even come close to hating it it just I thought took too long to get to the nitty-gritty but I did love that we got to see poppy and Tristan again as well as her best friend and her coworkers I love that about The authors collections. I think Sandy Barker is a talented author and is very funny you can read just one chapter out of any of her books and know how hilarious her romances are this one included I just think the burn was too slow for me but still enjoyed it. I want to thank boldwood Books and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really enjoyable to revisit the Ever After Agency in ‘Shout Out To My Ex’ by Sandy Barker. A fabulous follow-up to ‘Match Me If You Can’, this novel has just as much glamour and romance as the first instalment, and I loved seeing Poppy and Tristan together as a married couple!

Set in the fashion world, this instalment focuses on designer Elle Bliss whose sister secretly engages the Agency to facilitate a reunion between Elle and her long-lost-love, Leo… cue a trip to Paris, fashion shows, a fake engagement (NOT involving Elle) and a journey to reveal the truth of why Leo disappeared all those years ago.

I really loved:
- Elle and her sister/business manager Cass had such an amazing relationship which was a joy to read
- When Leo finally communicated, I bought in to his side of the story
- Getting some chapters from Poppy’s POV, with insight into the Agency, her marriage and her new cat (!!!) was awesome
- The behind-the-scenes fashion vibes and the introduction of magazine Nouveau (which seems like it will play a large part in the next book) was fabulous
- I felt like I was swept away to Paris, and also always get excited that the Agency is based in Richmond (near me!)

I wish we had got to hear Leo’s perspective directly, though I did think the idea of having the two POVs being the FMC and the matchmaker extraordinaire readers of the first book know and love was unique and wonderful! I’d 100% recommend this one - though I would encourage readers to enjoy ‘Match Me If You Can’ first for the full experience…

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest feedback. Thanks NetGalley and Boldwood Books UK!

[Jennifer B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shout Out To My Ex
By: Sandy Barker
Review Score: 4 Stars

Boogie’s Bulletpoints
-Barker writes such great characters.

-I loved Elle and Cassie, and their reason for meeting with Poppy.

-Elle and Leo have amazing chemistry!

-It was so much fun to read about Paris Fashion Week.

——————————————————————————————————
Shout Out To My Ex was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Boldwood Books. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!

Release Date: 2/14/24

This is the second book in the Ever After Agency series, and honestly, it’s just as much fun as the first (you also don’t need to read the first one to follow the second).

We get to know Elle, who is still missing her boyfriend from a decade ago, and comparing every man she meets to him. The problem is, he disappeared one day, and she never knew why.

Cassie decides to recruit the Ever After Agency to try and find this guy (Leo), and obviously, chaos ensues. The entire story has so many great twists and turns, and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.

Add in the backdrops of London and Paris, and you have a really fun story about love, loss, fashion, and a little bit of drama.

#bookstagram #books #readingnow #boogiereadsbooks #fivekeyfeels #audiobooks #audiobook #fiction #arcreview #netgalley #boogiesbulletpoints #shoutouttomyex #sandybarker #boldwoodbooks

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this, the second book of the series, the Ever After agency is brought in to rekindle the romance between Elle and Leo by her sister Cassie after they split 10 years previously. Things naturally don't go to plan....
Although this is the second book in the series it can definitely be read as a standalone - but you would be missing out on a very good book. It is set in the world is fashion, not an area that I know anything about and in fact my knowledge of it can be written on the head of a pin, in capitals using 24point print. Saying that, although the fashion is an important part of the story, you don't need any knowledge of it, although it does give an insight into the industry. I was fascinated by the chicanery used to try to get the two together, it makes you wonder if there are any such agencies actually in existence. A book that I definitely enjoyed and there was a teaser for the next book in the series that I can't wait to read.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Marg]

Last year I read and enjoyed the first book in the Happy Ever After series, Match Me If You Can. I already knew that I would read the second book, and I might as well declare it now.... I will be reading the next book too!

Elle Bliss is unlucky in love. Unlike her older sister and business manager, Cassie, Elle does go out on dates, but none of the men has ever lived up to the memory of her greatest love, Leo. Elle and Leo were inseparable until he broke up with her and disappeared off the face of the earth. She has searched for him on and off over the years, but there is no trace to be found.

Luckily Elle can throw herself into her work. She is an up and coming fashion designer who is on the verge of a huge career breakthrough. A spot has opened up at Paris Fashion Week and she is going to take it, even though it will be a huge amount of work for her team to get everything ready in time.

To read more head to


http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2024...

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Ever After Agency series. It can be read as a stand-alone but you definitely benefit from having read book one because some of the characters are introduced in the first book.
This one takes fashion designer Ellie Bliss to her first showing in Paris Fashion week and has her sister, Cass, hires the Ever After Agency to find Ellie’s long lost first love, Leo, who mysteriously disappeared 10 years ago after breaking Ellie’s heart. Now 10 years later, Leo goes by Lorenzo and is a famous shoe designer and is also going to be showing at Paris Fashion Week as well as Poppy and the members of the Agency soon find out.
Poppy and Cass work to get Ellie her HEA and finally get the story as to why Leo disappeared all those years ago.
This was a fun second chance romance told from alternating POV and sweeps you away to the bright lights of Paris and the behind the scenes of the fashion world.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second-chance romance with a touch of the miscommunication trope? Plus, more insight into Poppy's happily ever after? YAY!

Up-and-coming fashion designer Elle Bliss is haunted by her first love. Despite Leo ghosting her ten years ago, she still compares every date to him. As her lifelong dream to show at Paris Fashion Week comes true, Elle finds herself face to face with the man himself. Only, he goes by 'Lorenzo' now and his public persona is not the man she loved - or is he? The more times their paths cross, and the real Leo stirs up long-buried emotions from their history, Elle begins to question if 'Lorenzo' is a public persona for the media. Can Poppy help Elle find her HEA?

While I loved Elle's relationship with her sister throughout the book, the miscommunication trope almost spoiled this one for me. I even found myself wanting fewer Poppy chapters and more from Leo's POV. Still, a genuinely cute read, and I'm excited to see what Poppy does next!

Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Sandy Barker for allowing me access to this book. All opinions are my own.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Match Me If You Can, the first Ever After Agency book, last spring. So I was excited to see there is a second book in the series.

The dual POV works well in this book. Poppy from book 1 provides the big picture viewpoint around the matchmaking case along with updates about her husband Tristan, their friends, and the characters at Ever After Agency. Elle is the fashion designer who gives us the in the moment view of Paris Fashion Week, her reconnection with Leo, now known as Lorenzo, and her business partner and sister, Cassie. A single chapter might change POV multiple times but it wasn't confusing and kept the story moving well.

I especially love the over-the-top, flamboyant, reality show worthy, side characters that have the power to mess up what should be a simple reunion case. There were some moments that made me chuckle like when Elle meets Tom Finn and Hilde Klein and is invited to guest judge on their show. I also liked the scenes with the Bliss Design team and all the work that goes into creating and showing a collection.

I hope a future book focuses on how Saskia and Paloma decided to start a matchmaking agency. Those two definitely have some interesting stories in their pasts. I imagine that they are much like the crew on the tv show Leverage only they decided to use their specialized skills and extensive contacts for matchmaking instead of corporate espionage.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy. I am required by law to disclose this.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounding up

It was lovely to return the Ever After Agency to see their next case. I liked that not only did we get to see a new case, but we got updates on Poppy, too.
This is a second chance romance with a little bit of enimies to lovers vibes, too. I loved that the setup with the case was so different from book 1 and definitely gave an interesting spin. I enjoyed that part of the book taking part in Paris and the additional side characters that were involved. I liked both of our love interests in this and the background story to their original relationship. There are some hilarious moments and good banter in this. Sandy Barker really did a good job at building the story up, and it didn't feel too rushed. Overall, I think this was a good romance, and I look forward to future books in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood books, and Sandy Barker for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shout Out To My Ex by Sandy Barker is the second book in a book series called Ever After Agency, the first one is Match Me If You Can and yes read it before you read this one if you haven't.

I loved being back in Poppys world at the agency with a new and interesting case.
We get to meet two sisters that are easy to like and one of them sets up a meeting with the agency in secret to find her sisters true love that disappeared without a explanation.
Since this is a secret case it was fun to see how it all was gonna go down and if they would find the other sisters long lost love or not.

The book is set in London but we also get to travel to Paris for fashion week since the characters in the book are designers.

I really enjoyed this book with good twist and turns, all the secretive and that might include a second chance trope.

Now I am waiting with excitement for the third book in the series.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandy Barker does it again! Writing a book that feels like my friend is telling me a story, I love her writing style. I was so shocked that the dual POV this time was not the two people in the couple, but in fact our FMC and Poppy, our FMC and match maker from the first book. I loved this twist!

I had a really hard time with the reason the couple had not been in contact for 10 years. He just, ghosted her after a 4 year relationship and without a solid answer as to why, she got back together with him? It was very frustrating to watch this happen. In a way, this gave me an insight into Elle's psyche and how frustrated she probably felt. There were also moments when she was questioning him where they would just stop the discussion and start talking about other things and that left me yelling "GET ON WITH IT".

Overall, great second book. Loved revisiting Poppy's world and seeing the updates in her life.

[Fedythereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and the publisher, Boldwood Books, for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley!!

'Leo,' I say, 'it's incredible!
'It's us, Ellie!

A great book in my opinion to read on Valentine’s Day!!! A second chance, friends to lovers romance with some fun twists and turns and some not so side characters coming straight from book one in this series, keeping the reader entertained and part of the story. Elle and Leo’s romance was so sweet and “swoony” (iykyk) that you can’t help but love them and be a fan of their HEA. And Poppy … I have to admit I haven’t read book one but she seems like a crazy amazing character to meet, so I really thing I have to get back to that one!! I think it’s safe to say that this is a bit spoilers for what happens there since we’re talking about Poppy’s story but it’s harmless spoilers so I’m good to go. I’m very glad I got to meet these characters and be, even temporarily, part of their romantic fashion week!!!

[Karen Curnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are past loves ever really passed?

When Greta discovers her old boyfriend is her match, the Every After Agency realises they have a winner and their match is not only a good one but one that should have never ended. There is no doubt these gals have their finger on the pulse of who should be matched. Bringing two lovers back to each other is not a mean feat. All the instincts of the Agency have these two back in each other’s arms by reintroducing them at a fashion show. What a brilliant play! Greta cannot believe her luck. As fashion goes, both of the protagonists are well suited and at the top of their game. With all the fun of being there, one cannot but hold a breath to see what will happen. Will they or won’t they? Such an enjoyable well written story, keeping us all in a little suspense and finding that the Agency does great work!

[Lyna • lynasbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

After fashion design school and 4 years of loving each other, Leo leaves London and Elle behind without a single word. Elle spends the next 10 years trying to find the right man for her, but none measure up to Leo. Her meddling sister, Cassie, hires Ever After Agency to help reconnect the lovers right before Fashion Week. Leo and Elle are not privy to the match making though. From the minute we see Leo and Elle together, their connection and love is palpable even if Elle hasn’t quite agreed yet. Leo does some grade A groveling and makes swoon-worthy plays to win back Elle, which works in Cassie’s favor. I quite enjoyed this one and would recommend it.

[Gracie Wandyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooohhhh this was fun and made me laugh in some places,
It started slow but picked up in the middle and then the end was so intense, with all the revelations and interruptions.
It’s very different from other books I’ve read as they are normally in the MMC and FMC’s POVs, but I still wish I got Leo’s POV.

Elle is so funny 😂
Leo should have tried earlier (10yrs is a freaking long time 😳).
I wish I read the book 1 so I’d get to know Poppy’s HEA story 🥹.
Franzia should have been sabotaged, that girl is evil.

Thanks to @netgalley for this ARC 💕

[Leann Barrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice enjoyable read. Where the main leads are separated after university and the female lead is utterly heartbroken. She puts her all into her fashion brand that she owns with her sister. Her sister has a side hustle which has the female leads best interest at heart - will she be able to pull of finding her sisters lost love?

I really enjoyed the family and friendship input in this book. And it was very well written with how the storyline pulled together.

[Emma H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book

Loved this book, I couldn’t put it down as usual and enjoyed catching up with the previous characters. After reading the first book and waiting for this one, I read the other series of books from this author. They were also excellent and she has fast become a favourite. I have also recommended her books to my best friend who is now part way reading them. Can’t wait for her next book!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the chance to read this book.

This is the second book in The Ever After Agency series, and I loved it just as much as I did the first story. Poppy is back again, and her character is just so warm and caring. The agency has their hands full with this case about reuniting old lovers without them knowing. It's full of fashion, creativity, and drama.

This was a quick and enjoyable read that sucked me in so fast that I read the book in under 24 hours. I also loved the excerpt from the next story in the series and will be eagerly awaiting its release.